New Air Quality Strategy to Improve Pollution Approved by Guildford Borough Council

Published on: 2 Jul, 2025
Updated on: 5 Jul, 2025

By Esme Campbell

A five-year strategy to improve air quality across the borough has been approved by Guildford councillors.

The document outlines the priorities and steps that will be taken, building on Guildford Borough Council’s previous air quality commitments and using up-to-date scientific evidence and community feedback to shape the strategy.

It focuses on a better understanding of air pollution, where it comes from, limiting its impact and encouraging collaboration between the council and air quality partners.

The framework set out targets reduction of air pollution, protection of public health and supporting GBC’s wider environmental goals, with key aims including the promotion of anti-idling at junctions, traffic lights, school and level crossings, and slashing emissions from the council’s own vehicles.

Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith

Merel Rehorst-Smith (Lib Dem, Effingham), lead councillor for Regulatory Services, said: “I’m delighted that our Air Quality Strategy has been approved.

“We’re proud to be taking a leading role in addressing this critical issue and are committed to reaching our goal as a Council of becoming Net Zero by 2030.

“Clean air is essential for our health and wellbeing. This strategy lays out a clear vision for cleaner air in our borough, reflecting our commitment to tackling air pollution head-on and creating a greener, healthier Guildford for everyone.

“I urge residents and businesses to read the strategy and support our air quality work where they can.”